Put some respect on HER name! - Mrs. Coretta Scott King

GIRL! Did you know that Coretta Scott King had the "obey your husband" clause removed from her wedding vows to Dr. King in 1953? Born on April 27, 1927, in Heiberger, Alabama, Coretta was more than an author and civil rights activist – she was a force of change.

Raised by Obadiah and Bernice Scott, Coretta's upbringing was marked by challenges, including the burning of her father's lumber mill due to his refusal to sell to a white logger. Despite facing hardships, she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian in 1945 and earning a scholarship to Antioch College.

At Antioch, she majored in education and music, becoming a member of the NAACP and AKA sorority. Her early activism included challenging a ban on black teachers. In 1952, she transferred to the New England Conservatory of Music, where she met Martin Luther King Jr., leading to a unique love story.

Despite initial reservations and disapproval from Dr. King's family, they married on June 18, 1953. Moving to Montgomery, Alabama, they found themselves in the midst of the Montgomery bus boycott, sparking their journey into civil rights history.

Throughout the struggles, including a bombing of their home in 1956, Coretta stood resilient. She organized "freedom concerts," using her musical talent to support nonviolent activism. After Dr. King's assassination in 1968, she founded the King Center, continuing their shared vision.

Under FBI surveillance from 1968 to 1972, she remained a fierce advocate, lobbying for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, championing the LGBTQ+ community, and opposing political nominations.

Coretta Scott King passed away on January 30, 2006, laid to rest beside her husband. Her life transcended the role of "the woman behind the man." She stood as an equal partner, emphasizing that women are the backbone of the civil rights movement.

As we reflect on her legacy, let's remember her words: "Women have been the backbone of the whole civil rights movement." Before asking someone to be your "Corretta," ensure you embody the qualities of a worthy Dr. King. 🌹 #CorettaScottKing #CivilRights #LegacyRemembered